LEVA-EU member Bafang has announced that they’ve entered into a service agency agreement with EMCB to enhance the growth of the e-bike market across the UK.
Under the terms of the agreement, EMCB will manage dealer services in the UK for bike brands that have signed dealer service contracts with them. EMCB will offer daily consultations, repairs, and sell spare parts. Bafang says that due to the wide range of product combinations, priority will be given to brands that implement the complete Bafang system to ensure top-notch service quality.
Mike Wen, the service director of Bafang, said: “This cooperation is an important move for Bafang to root in the UK market. By cooperating with EMCB, an experienced eBike motor service company, we will be able to provide services to UK dealers more efficiently.”
“Bafang is a well-known brand that has been specializing in eBike drive systems for over 20 years, we are very pleased to begin this exciting cooperation, and looking forward to being able to support Bafang’s growth in the UK market” – Pete Collard, Head of EMCB.
Bafang has said they are committed to developing and delivering first-rate drive systems and services for electric bicycles. The company has built a service network across the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, the United States, and China, and is now expanding its reach to the UK, enhancing the localization of its services.
EMCB is a sister company to eBike Motor Centre, a repair service centre that focuses on out-of-warranty services for a range of eBike motor brands. Drawing on its deep expertise in the eBike motor industry, EMCB is set to offer warranty services to OEM manufacturers and their dealerships across the UK.
Exemplifying the rapid innovation within the electric bicycle industry, LEVA-EU member Bafang, a major manufacturer of e-bike components, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five years.
Electrek recently visited the company’s production facilities in China and explored its new expansive manufacturing facilities and groundbreaking advancements in electric bicycle technology.
Comprehensive component production
Bafang has long been a significant force in the e-bike sector, producing a wide range of components integral to electric bike drive systems. Since the author’s initial visit in 2019, the company has substantially expanded its operations, now encompassing full e-bike battery design and manufacturing. The author described the contrast between their initial visit in 2019 and the latest tour, five years later, as “mind-blowing”. This expansion necessitated a move to a larger, state-of-the-art facility, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and vertical integration.
Revolutionary research and development
The journey begins in Bafang’s Research and Development (R&D) department, where a team of engineers and designers meticulously crafts the next generation of e-bike components. One of its impressive advancements is the development of internally geared hubs (IGHs) with integrated hub motors. Known as the Bafang Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) line, these components combine the clean, low-maintenance design of IGHs with the power and efficiency of electric motors. This innovation allows for automatic, cable-free shifting and opens new possibilities for e-bike design.
Rigorous testing and quality assurance
A rigorous testing process ensures the durability and reliability of Bafang’s products. Its motors undergo pressure, drop, and vibration tests, while soundproof rooms and electromagnetic compatibility chambers allow engineers to fine-tune performance and safety. The company has also developed a proprietary gear material, offering enhanced strength and reduced noise compared to traditional nylon or steel gears.
State-of-the-art manufacturing
On the factory floor, quality inspections are paramount. Components are scrutinized with micron-level precision before entering largely automated assembly lines. Robotic systems now handle tasks such as applying grease, winding copper wire for motor cores, and assembling motors with greater speed and accuracy than manual methods. Notably, new vacuum systems at soldering stations enhance worker safety by extracting fumes directly through the workstation surfaces.
Battery production: A bold new frontier
A standout feature of Bafang’s expanded facility is believed to be its battery factory. Traditionally the domain of specialized battery manufacturers, Bafang’s decision to produce its own high-quality battery packs represents a significant leap forward. The process begins with stringent cell testing, followed by robotic sorting and ultrasonic welding to create larger battery assemblies. After extensive performance testing, each battery pack undergoes a full charge and discharge cycle before packaging and shipment.
A one-stop shop for e-bike OEMs
The scale and sophistication of Bafang’s operations underscore its emergence as a comprehensive supplier for e-bike original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). By producing nearly every component of an e-bike drive system in-house, Bafang has positioned itself as a global leader in the electric bicycle industry.
Shaping the future of electric mobility
As the e-bike market continues to grow, Bafang’s commitment to research, innovation, and production excellence looks to play a major part in shaping the future of electric mobility. The remarkable advancements witnessed during this recent factory tour serve as a compelling indicator of what lies ahead for this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.
Elektrek’s Bafang video tour can be accessed here.
The globally renowned electric bike component manufacturer is set to expand its increasingly popular hub motor range with a new three-speed automatic system.
The upgrade is expected to significantly improve riding performance and will be part of Bafang’s H-series line, under the product code H730.
It will be initially unveiled on the upcoming Ado Air 30 urban e-bike, which currently has a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo, to support the production of this innovative new model.
Bafang’s existing two-speed automatic hub motor has already earned a strong reputation, featured in some of the market’s highest-rated e-bikes. Its seamless transition between gears which adapts to the rider’s pedal power has been highly praised, with its acceleration that significantly enhances the performance of what would otherwise be a single speed bike. The new three-speed system is expected to reduce effort during acceleration by up to 24%.
According to available information, the automatic gear shifts will occur at speeds of 13 km/h and 19 km/h, with each shift aligning with the feedback from the torque sensor. The motor will provide 40Nm of torque.
This advanced automatic gearing system will also improve battery efficiency by better managing power usage, helping riders reach speed more effectively while reducing strain on the motor. Additionally, the Ado Air 30 will feature a partner display that allows users to program both sport and eco assistance modes, offering the option to manually adjust the bike’s range and power output.
The Ado Air 30 e-bike boasts a range of up to 100 km, powered by a 370Wh integrated slimline battery that can be easily removed via an asymmetric side cover. The bike will also include a range of smart features, including GPS tracking for anti-theft protection, USB-C charging, and a suspension seatpost for added comfort. Both classic and step-over frame options will soon be available.
The pricing for the new Ado Air 30 Ultra will be disclosed on February 20th, during the Indiegogo campaign launch.
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